When you shop through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. This educational content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice.

20 Best Watercolor Paints For Professionals (2023 Updated)

Watercolor paints for professionals are high-quality paints that are designed to provide artists with the best possible results. These paints are typically made with higher-quality pigments and binders, and they may also contain additional ingredients that help to improve the paint’s performance.

Professional watercolor paints may also be designed to meet specific requirements, such as those set by the American Society for Testing and Materials.

20 Best Watercolor Paints For Professionals

Product Image Product Name Features Price

Winsor & Newton Professional Water Colour Lightweight Sketchers' Box

  • A lightweight metal tin set containing 12 Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolour 5ml tubes.
  • The metal box features an integral palette and thumb ring.

Daniel Smith Essentials Watercolor 5ml Set, 6-Colors

  • First and foremost, to produce watercolors that are the best in lightfastness and permanence.
  • Second, to offer a selection of truly unique colors.

Kuretake Gansai Tambi 48 Color Set Assorted Colors

  • Japanese traditional, solid watercolors for professional artists and crafters.
  • Ideal for sketching, illustrations, sumi-e and more!

Winsor & Newton – Cotman Watercolor Field Plus Set

  • 12

Prima Watercolor Confections Watercolor Pans 12-pkg-pastel Dreams

  • The artist grade, high quality and highly pigmented watercolor pans are sized perfectly for artists on the go.
  • The professional grade paints provide bright, intense, smooth and long lasting colors that work beautifully for any art or mixed media project.

Holbein – Artists& Watercolor 12-Color 5ml Set

  • Set Of 12

Finetec Artist Pearlescent Watercolor Paint 6-Color Warm Set

  • These pigments can be mixed with water and with each other to achieve different shades.
  • They are very easy to apply on all types of materials such as paper, wood, cardboard, etc.

Castle Art Supplies Watercolors Paint Set – 24 Vibrant Colors in Tubes

  • Pigment rich for stunning results
  • Top blending performance
  • Transparency and opacity

Sennelier French Artists Watercolor Travel Set of 14 Half Pans

  • 1 Count (Pack Of 1)

Schmincke : Horadam Watercolor Paint : Metal Set : 48 Half Pans

  • Superior quality, natural ingredients are carefully selected each year for every formula for highest optimization
  • Traditional formulas since 1881 are the same in pans and tubes

Pearlescent Watercolor Set 21 Colors

  • 21/Pkg

Van Gogh Watercolor Pocket Box Set of 12 Muted Colors

  • Van Gogh watercolors are a student and artist level range of paints featuring brilliant, transparent, and intense colors with high tinting strength.

Schmincke : Horadam Watercolor Paint : Metal Set : 8 Half Pans

  • Superior quality, natural ingredients are carefully selected each year for every formula for highest optimization
  • Traditional formulas since 1881 are the same in pans and tubes

Dr. Ph. Martin&s Radiant Concentrated Watercolor Set, Set C, 0.5 oz

  • Set C

Prima Watercolor Confections Watercolor Pans 12 Pkg Terrain

  • Prima Marketing Art Philosophy 12 Watercolours Set Terrain.
  • Of high pigmentation, it will allow you to obtain brilliant, intense, soft colours and of long duration.

Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Indigo 8 ml.

  • The fine pigments used in manufacturing allow for a good transparency, which is key when working with watercolours.
  • Many of the colours in the range are graded as AA or A for permanency, which defines them as “permanent for artists”.

Holbein Artists' Watercolor 15ml Set of 18 Assorted Colors

  • Set Of 18

Sennelier French Artists Watercolor Wood Set of 98 – 10ml Tubes

  • Colors used by the Impressionists – housed in a luxury wood case.
  • The choice of most reknowned artists in the world.
  • Two extra tubes!

Kuretake : Gansai Tambi Japanese Watercolor : Large Pan : Carmine

  • Suitable for home décor
  • Suitable for arts and crafts projects
  • Designed for easy usage and storage
Winsor & Newton Professional Water Colour Lightweight Sketchers' Box
  • A lightweight metal tin set containing 12 Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolour 5ml tubes.
  • The metal box features an integral palette and thumb ring.
Daniel Smith Essentials Watercolor 5ml Set, 6-Colors
  • First and foremost, to produce watercolors that are the best in lightfastness and permanence.
  • Second, to offer a selection of truly unique colors.
Kuretake Gansai Tambi 48 Color Set Assorted Colors
  • Japanese traditional, solid watercolors for professional artists and crafters.
  • Ideal for sketching, illustrations, sumi-e and more!
Winsor & Newton – Cotman Watercolor Field Plus Set
  • 12
Prima Watercolor Confections Watercolor Pans 12-pkg-pastel Dreams
  • The artist grade, high quality and highly pigmented watercolor pans are sized perfectly for artists on the go.
  • The professional grade paints provide bright, intense, smooth and long lasting colors that work beautifully for any art or mixed media project.
Holbein – Artists& Watercolor 12-Color 5ml Set
  • Set Of 12
Finetec Artist Pearlescent Watercolor Paint 6-Color Warm Set
  • These pigments can be mixed with water and with each other to achieve different shades.
  • They are very easy to apply on all types of materials such as paper, wood, cardboard, etc.
Castle Art Supplies Watercolors Paint Set – 24 Vibrant Colors in Tubes
  • Pigment rich for stunning results
  • Top blending performance
  • Transparency and opacity
Sennelier French Artists Watercolor Travel Set of 14 Half Pans
  • 1 Count (Pack Of 1)
Schmincke : Horadam Watercolor Paint : Metal Set : 48 Half Pans
  • Superior quality, natural ingredients are carefully selected each year for every formula for highest optimization
  • Traditional formulas since 1881 are the same in pans and tubes
Pearlescent Watercolor Set 21 Colors
  • 21/Pkg
Van Gogh Watercolor Pocket Box Set of 12 Muted Colors
  • Van Gogh watercolors are a student and artist level range of paints featuring brilliant, transparent, and intense colors with high tinting strength.
Schmincke : Horadam Watercolor Paint : Metal Set : 8 Half Pans
  • Superior quality, natural ingredients are carefully selected each year for every formula for highest optimization
  • Traditional formulas since 1881 are the same in pans and tubes
Dr. Ph. Martin&s Radiant Concentrated Watercolor Set, Set C, 0.5 oz
  • Set C
Prima Watercolor Confections Watercolor Pans 12 Pkg Terrain
  • Prima Marketing Art Philosophy 12 Watercolours Set Terrain.
  • Of high pigmentation, it will allow you to obtain brilliant, intense, soft colours and of long duration.
Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Indigo 8 ml.
  • The fine pigments used in manufacturing allow for a good transparency, which is key when working with watercolours.
  • Many of the colours in the range are graded as AA or A for permanency, which defines them as “permanent for artists”.
Holbein Artists' Watercolor 15ml Set of 18 Assorted Colors
  • Set Of 18
Sennelier French Artists Watercolor Wood Set of 98 – 10ml Tubes
  • Colors used by the Impressionists – housed in a luxury wood case.
  • The choice of most reknowned artists in the world.
  • Two extra tubes!
Kuretake : Gansai Tambi Japanese Watercolor : Large Pan : Carmine
  • Suitable for home décor
  • Suitable for arts and crafts projects
  • Designed for easy usage and storage

1. Winsor & Newton Professional Water Colour Lightweight Sketchers’ Box

Winsor & Newton Professional Water Colour Lightweight Sketchers' Box

  • A lightweight metal tin set containing 12 Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolour 5ml tubes.
  • The metal box features an integral palette and thumb ring.
  • Box measures approximately 22.5 x 9 x 2.3 cm when closed.

Check Latest Price

Sold By Price
Amazon.com
eBay
Walmart – UnbeatableSale
Blick Art Materials

Product Details

Specifications

Details
Product Dimensions 3.78 x 9.09 x 1.06 inches
Country of Origin France
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer No
Volume 5 Milliliters
Is Dishwasher Safe No

Reviews From Real Customers

vinces6
lacetune
zubomb

2. Daniel Smith Essentials Watercolor 5ml Set, 6-Colors

Daniel Smith Essentials Watercolor 5ml Set, 6-Colors

  • First and foremost, to produce watercolors that are the best in lightfastness and permanence.
  • Second, to offer a selection of truly unique colors.
  • 15ml Watercolors​, available in more than 240 colors, the most of any manufacturer.
  • 5ml Watercolors​, available in 88 of the most popular colors DANIEL SMITH makes.
  • Watercolor Sticks​, 51 popular DANIEL SMITH Watercolors shaped into stick form to draw and paint with, a new way to expressively use watercolors.

Check Latest Price

Sold By Price
Amazon.com
Walmart
Jackson’s Art Supplies
Plaza Artist Materials

Product Details

3. Kuretake Gansai Tambi 48 Color Set Assorted Colors

Kuretake Gansai Tambi 48 Color Set Assorted Colors

  • Japanese traditional, solid watercolors for professional artists and crafters.
  • Ideal for sketching, illustrations, sumi-e and more!
  • Keep a higher brilliance by using original colors instead of mixing with other colors.
  • This 9.5×11.75 inch package contains 48 watercolors in assorted colors.
  • Conforms to ASTM D 4236.

Check Latest Price

Sold By Price
Amazon.com – Seller
eBay
Walmart
JetPens

Product Details

Specifications

Details
Color 48 Colors
Size 48 Count (Pack of 1)

Reviews From Real Customers

Daregirl
Percy

4. Winsor & Newton – Cotman Watercolor Field Plus Set

Winsor & Newton - Cotman Watercolor Field Plus Set

  • 12

Check Latest Price

Sold By Price
Amazon.com
Walmart – Blick Art Materials
Michaels Stores
Jerry’s Artarama Art Supplies

Product Details

Specifications

Details
Weight 0.62 lb

5. Prima Watercolor Confections Watercolor Pans 12-pkg-pastel Dreams

Prima Watercolor Confections Watercolor Pans 12-pkg-pastel Dreams

  • The artist grade, high quality and highly pigmented watercolor pans are sized perfectly for artists on the go.
  • The professional grade paints provide bright, intense, smooth and long lasting colors that work beautifully for any art or mixed media project.
  • The palette tins feature two convenient fold-out mixing areas.

Check Latest Price

Sold By Price
Amazon.com – Seller
eBay
Walmart
Michaels Stores

Product Details

Specifications

Details
Craft Sub Type Scrapbooking
Craft Sub Type2 Mixed Media Programs
Craft Sub Type3 Prima

Reviews From Real Customers

bakanotebook
Shadow
lindanfarm

6. Holbein – Artists& Watercolor 12-Color 5ml Set

Holbein - Artists& Watercolor 12-Color 5ml Set

  • Set Of 12

Check Latest Price

Sold By Price
Amazon.com – Seller
Walmart
Jackson’s Art Supplies
Blick Art Materials

Product Details

Specifications

Details
Country of Manufacture Japan
To use with Watercolour
Vegan Non Vegan
Transparency Refer to single colours
Colour Lightfast Refer to single colours

Reviews From Real Customers

Ziggy's mama

7. Finetec Artist Pearlescent Watercolor Paint 6-Color Warm Set

Finetec Artist Pearlescent Watercolor Paint 6-Color Warm Set

  • These pigments can be mixed with water and with each other to achieve different shades.
  • They are very easy to apply on all types of materials such as paper, wood, cardboard, etc.
  • Thanks to its raw material, with these pigments you can achieve surprising effects by layering some colours on others.
  • Made in Germany.
  • Light resistant.

Check Latest Price

Sold By Price
Amazon.com – Seller
Walmart
Blick Art Materials
Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff

Product Details

Specifications

Details
Weight 0.3 lb

Reviews From Real Customers

artistein

8. Castle Art Supplies Watercolors Paint Set – 24 Vibrant Colors in Tubes

Castle Art Supplies Watercolors Paint Set - 24 Vibrant Colors in Tubes

  • Pigment rich for stunning results
  • Top blending performance
  • Transparency and opacity
  • Non-toxic, odor free for safe use
  • Sealed for ultimate freshness

Check Latest Price

Sold By Price
Amazon.com – Seller
Walmart
Castle Arts USA
Sears – Ami Ventures Inc

Product Details

Specifications

Details
Package Dimensions 9 x 7.7 x 1 inches
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer No
Item Package Quantity 1
Paint Type Watercolor
Package Information Tube

Reviews From Real Customers

Luke S.
Sylvia H.
video44-half

9. Sennelier French Artists Watercolor Travel Set of 14 Half Pans

Sennelier French Artists Watercolor Travel Set of 14 Half Pans

  • 1 Count (Pack Of 1)

Check Latest Price

Sold By Price
Amazon.com – Seller
eBay – libbyslibrary
Jackson’s Art Supplies
Blick Art Materials

Product Details

Specifications

Details
Country of Manufacture France
To use with Watercolour
Transparency Refer to single colours
Colour Lightfast Refer to single colours

Reviews From Real Customers

Jax Stronomy
indooryardsales

10. Schmincke : Horadam Watercolor Paint : Metal Set : 48 Half Pans

Schmincke : Horadam Watercolor Paint : Metal Set : 48 Half Pans

  • Superior quality, natural ingredients are carefully selected each year for every formula for highest optimization
  • Traditional formulas since 1881 are the same in pans and tubes
  • An optimal amount of Oxgall enables the artist to decide (and not the paint!) as to where the paint should flow moist or stay dry on the paper

Check Latest Price

Sold By Price
Amazon.com – Seller
eBay
Walmart – Blick Art Materials
Jackson’s Art Supplies

Product Details

Specifications

Details
Style Modern
Item Dimensions LxWxH 11.81 x 6.3 x 3.15 inches
Is Oven Safe No
Number of Pieces 48
Product Dimensions 11.81 x 6.3 x 3.15 inches

Reviews From Real Customers

myjobisfun
tangasong
chocosusie860

11. Pearlescent Watercolor Set 21 Colors

Pearlescent Watercolor Set 21 Colors

  • 21/Pkg

Check Latest Price

Sold By Price
Amazon.com
Walmart
Michaels Stores
Rileystreet Art Supply

Product Details

Specifications

Details
Ink Characteristics Nontoxic, Pearlescent
Number of Colors 21
Size – Height 1.3 cm / 0.5 inches
Size – Length 24.8 cm / 9.8 inches
Size – Width 12.2 cm / 4.8 inches

12. Van Gogh Watercolor Pocket Box Set of 12 Muted Colors

Van Gogh Watercolor Pocket Box Set of 12 Muted Colors

  • Van Gogh watercolors are a student and artist level range of paints featuring brilliant, transparent, and intense colors with high tinting strength.
  • Thanks to the purity and uniform viscosity, these watercolors are easy to work with and easy to mix.
  • Proudly produced in Holland with stringent quality control for a consistent experience with every purchase.
  • See the description for content details of this set.

Check Latest Price

Sold By Price
Amazon.com – Seller
eBay – cash2convert
Walmart
Sears – Vir Ventures

Product Details

Specifications

Details
Product Dimensions 3.94 x 5.51 x 0.98 inches
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer No
Surface Recommendation Plastic

Reviews From Real Customers

Lynne C.
Kerry

13. Schmincke : Horadam Watercolor Paint : Metal Set : 8 Half Pans

Schmincke : Horadam Watercolor Paint : Metal Set : 8 Half Pans

  • Superior quality, natural ingredients are carefully selected each year for every formula for highest optimization
  • Traditional formulas since 1881 are the same in pans and tubes
  • Formulas used by classic artists like Emil Nolde and Oskar Kokoschka
  • An optimal amount of Oxgall enables the artist to decide (and not the paint!) as to where the paint should flow moist or stay dry on the paper

Check Latest Price

Sold By Price
Amazon.com – Seller
eBay
Walmart
Jackson’s Art Supplies

Product Details

Specifications

Details
Style Modern
Item Dimensions LxWxH 2.68 x 3.82 x 1.18 inches
Is Oven Safe No
Number of Pieces 8
Product Dimensions 2.68 x 3.82 x 1.18 inches

14. Dr. Ph. Martin&s Radiant Concentrated Watercolor Set, Set C, 0.5 oz

Dr. Ph. Martin&s Radiant Concentrated Watercolor Set, Set C, 0.5 oz

  • Set C

Check Latest Price

Sold By Price
Amazon.com
Walmart
Jerry’s Artarama Art Supplies
Blick Art Materials

Product Details

Reviews From Real Customers

Avi
Ksenia | Gypsee Art
Splat splat

15. Prima Watercolor Confections Watercolor Pans 12 Pkg Terrain

Prima Watercolor Confections Watercolor Pans 12 Pkg Terrain

  • Prima Marketing Art Philosophy 12 Watercolours Set Terrain.
  • Of high pigmentation, it will allow you to obtain brilliant, intense, soft colours and of long duration.
  • It has 12 half wells or pans with space in the lid to mix and work comfortably.
  • Comes in a practical metal case perfect for transport. Use it with your water-tank brush on your trips.
  • Dimensions: 7,62×12,7×2,54 cm.

Check Latest Price

Sold By Price
Amazon.com – Seller
eBay
Walmart
Target

Product Details

Specifications

Details
Color Terrain
Size 1 Count (Pack of 1)

Reviews From Real Customers

leftymlb
bjkoka
Mimi

16. Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Indigo 8 ml.

Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Indigo 8 ml.

  • The fine pigments used in manufacturing allow for a good transparency, which is key when working with watercolours.
  • Many of the colours in the range are graded as AA or A for permanency, which defines them as “permanent for artists”.
  • The large variety of colours in the range allows for a wide mixing palette.

Check Latest Price

Sold By Price
Amazon.com
Michaels Stores
Sam Flax Atlanta
Plaza Artist Materials

Product Details

Specifications

Details
Weight 0.04 lb

Reviews From Real Customers

Live Local Artist
susan
Abigail D.

17. Holbein Artists’ Watercolor 15ml Set of 18 Assorted Colors

Holbein Artists' Watercolor 15ml Set of 18 Assorted Colors

  • Set Of 18

Check Latest Price

Sold By Price
Amazon.com – Seller
Blick Art Materials
St. Louis Art Supply
Jerry’s Artarama Art Supplies

Product Details

Specifications

Details
Product Dimensions 9.8 x 6.2 x 1 inches
Item Package Quantity 1
Package Information Tube

18. Blick Artists’ Watercolor – Ivory Black, 14 ml Tube

Blick Artists' Watercolor - Ivory Black, 14 ml Tube

Check Latest Price

Sold By Price
Amazon
Blick Art Materials
Utrecht Art Supplies

Product Details

Specifications

Details
Assembled Product Weight 0 lb

Reviews From Real Customers

Cristolin
Revelsa
The Junkman

19. Sennelier French Artists Watercolor Wood Set of 98 – 10ml Tubes

Sennelier French Artists Watercolor Wood Set of 98 - 10ml Tubes

  • Colors used by the Impressionists – housed in a luxury wood case.
  • The choice of most reknowned artists in the world.
  • Two extra tubes!
  • Best Artist quality Watercolors on the market.

Check Latest Price

Sold By Price
Amazon
Jackson’s Art Supplies
Thackery Handmade
Sears – Ami Ventures Inc

Product Details

Specifications

Details
Country of Manufacture France
To use with Watercolour
Transparency Refer to single colours
Colour Lightfast Refer to single colours

Reviews From Real Customers

cassart.co.uk

20. Kuretake : Gansai Tambi Japanese Watercolor : Large Pan : Carmine

Kuretake : Gansai Tambi Japanese Watercolor : Large Pan : Carmine

  • Suitable for home décor
  • Suitable for arts and crafts projects
  • Designed for easy usage and storage

Check Latest Price

Sold By Price
Amazon
Jackson’s Art Supplies
St. Louis Art Supply
Bunbougu

Product Details

Specifications

Details
Country of Manufacture Japan
To use with Watercolour
Vegan Non Vegan
Animal Derived Ingredient Glycerin – Animal Fat

Reviews From Real Customers

Danielle M.
totalveggiegirl
crisscross123uk

Conclusion

Watercolor paints are a great choice for professionals because they offer a wide range of colors and shades, as well as the ability to mix colors to create custom colors. They also dry quickly, making them ideal for working on projects that require a quick turnaround.

Categories Uncategorized

Leave a Comment